Tragedy in Tana River: Snakebite Claims Pregnant Woman and Unborn Child Amid Alleged Negligence

Kenya, November 24,2025 - A harrowing incident unfolded in Tana River County, leaving the community in shock and raising urgent questions about healthcare readiness in remote areas. Mrs. Luli Mohamed Hassan, a 28-year-old expectant mother, died after reportedly being bitten by a snake, an incident her husband blames on alleged negligence by medical personnel at Hola County Referral Hospital. Tragically, the unborn child was also lost.

According to local sources, the bite occurred late at night, and Mrs. Hassan was rushed to the hospital by family members. “She was brought to the hospital around 10 pm but received delayed attention,” residents reported.

Community members say the staff did not administer antivenom promptly, and the hospital lacked sufficient resources to manage the emergency. The fatal delay has sparked outrage among Tana River residents, who now demand accountability.

Local leaders expressed their grief and concern over systemic failures. Said Mohamed, a community representative, told reporters: “I’m shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Mrs. Luli Mohamed Hassan … The circumstances surrounding her passing are disturbing and unacceptable. This is not just a

tragedy, it’s a wakeup call.”

Snakebites remain a silent crisis in Kenya and across Africa. According to the Ministry of Health, more than 100,000 lives are claimed globally each year by venomous snakebites. Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Public Health, emphasized:

“Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that claims more than 100,000 lives each year … Ending preventable deaths from snakebites … is a moral imperative.”